To the same.
Wayland, 1876.
The books arrived safely; for which I thank you. I must now tell you of something pleasant that has happened to me. Miss Osgood left $2,000 for the colored people, and appointed me trustee.
I gave $1,000 to the Home for old colored women, and with the remainder I founded a scholarship at Hampton College, Va. Soon after, I chanced to see a letter from a young colored man in Georgia, to a lady who had been his teacher.
He had been working very industriously to earn money to go to Hampton College, and had for that purpose placed $300 in the Freedman's Bank, and lost it all by the dishonesty of the managers.
His letter impressed me very favorably, not only because it was uncommonly well written, but especially because he wrote: “Don't beg for me at the North, my good friend.
I will go to work and try again.
I want to row my own boat.”
I sent the letter to General Armstrong, and asked that the “Osgood scholarship” might be bestowed upon him. That would defray the expense of his education, and if he was unable to pay for board, necessary books, etc., I agreed to be responsible therefor; with the request that he might not know there was any one to
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help him “row his boat.”
A few days ago I had a letter from General Armstrong, in which he says: “Forsyth is an uncommonly intelligent, sensible, and every way satisfactory pupil; and I have no doubt he will make a good record of himself hereafter.”
That had a very happyfying influence.
I have so often been unsuccessful in my efforts to help others.
